Multi Ceramide Cream
Ingredients
water, glycerin, coco-caprylate/caprate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, squalane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pentylene glycol, propanediol, polyglyceryl-3 distearate, cyclohexasiloxane, 1, 2-hexanediol, butylene glycol, cetearyl olivate, diphenyl dimethicone, diphenylsiloxy phenyl trimethicone, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, sorbitan olivate, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, polymethylsilsesquioxane, chlorella vulgaris extract, glucose, butyrospermum parkii butter, hydroxyacetophenone, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, fructooligosaccharides, fructose, sodium polyacrylate starch, tromethamine, glyceryl stearate citrate, panthenol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, parfum, hydrogenated lecithin, sodium phytate, xanthan gum, stearic acid, hyaluronic acid, ethylhexylglycerin, beta-glucan, ceramide np, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, ceramide ns, cholesterol, phytosphingosine, sodium hyaluronate, ceramide ap, ceramide as, ceramide eop, linalool, hexyl cinnamal, benzyl benzoate
This moisturizer is marketed as a barrier repair, ceramide based cream, so I decided to incorporate it into my nighttime routine once I upped my retinol potency. It felt like a safe choice for when my skin needs a bit of reassurance after stronger actives.
The texture is exactly what I expect from a ceramide cream: balmy, almost waxy, and more substantial than your average moisturizer. It doesn't feel particularly elegant going on, but a little bit goes a long way, and it creates a comfortable layer over the skin.
In terms of results, it is what you expected it to be: it addresses any sensitivity by soothing the skin. It's not brightening, and I wouldn't describe it as plumping either, but what it does do is keep my skin comfortable and support my barrier, which is exactly what I want it for.
The ingredient list reflects that focus. The formula is built around a good mix of humectants, emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients. Glycerin, three forms of hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan and panthenol help attract and retain moisture, while squalane, shea butter and several fatty alcohols provide lasting nourishment. The real highlight, though, is the barrier complex: five ceramides (NP, NS, AP, AS and EOP), cholesterol and phytosphingosine. Healthy skin barriers naturally contain these lipids, so this falls very much in line with the "repair" claim.
TOCOBO also highlights its 10% Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex and 1,000 ppm (0.1%) Multi Ceramide Complex. Those claims sound more informative than they actually are. The percentages refer to proprietary complexes, not necessarily to the pure ingredients themselves. The "10% Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex", for example, doesn't automatically mean the cream contains 10% hyaluronic acid. The same applies to the ceramide complex: the 0.1% refers to the blend as a whole, not necessarily to the ceramides alone (note: while 0.1% may sound low, ceramides are typically used at fractions of a percent and don't need to be present in large amounts to be effective). Without knowing the exact composition of either proprietary blend, those numbers don't tell us very much. What does matter is the ingredient list itself, which includes three forms of hyaluronic acid alongside five ceramides, cholesterol and phytosphingosine—a combination that's much more meaningful than the marketing percentages.
The formula also contains fragrance and fragrance allergens. In fairness, I can barely detect the scent, and it hasn't caused any issues for my skin. That said, I still think they'd be better left out. A barrier cream is often the sort of product people reach for when their skin is already feeling compromised, so there's not much to gain from adding fragrance in the first place.
My main complaint, though, is the packaging. I simply don't like moisturizers in jars. They're less practical, less hygienic, and I'd almost always choose a tube or pump if given the option.
I still prefer, for the reasons just mentioned, the Cerave moisturiser as my main barrier repair cream. But all in all, this is not a bad choice.